WELLINGTON’S hopes of staying with the leaders in Western Counties West have been dented by the deduction of five points.

Wellington were found to have broken the rules during their 14-10 away win over Kingsbridge when the game was partly played with uncontested scrum.

Wellington lost a prop in the second half and did not have another on the bench. Both sides and the referee agreed to the game continuing with uncontested scums but Wellington should have taken off one of their players but they did not.

It was not until later that Kingsbridge, having been made aware of the situation, put in an appeal to the South West RFU disciplinary body who upheld their appeal.

“We’re not very happy with Kingsbridge, to say the least,” said Wellington coach Allyn Chetland. “There is a bit of history between the clubs. Kingsbridge were not awarded any points so we’re not sure what they got out of their appeal.”

The loss of five points means that Wellington now trail leaders Sidmouth by 15 points and the runners-up spot may now be a more realistic target - at least for the time being.

However, Wellington put in a good team display to beat Truro 43-12 on Saturday and will be looking for a similar performance at home to Wadebridge Camels this coming weekend (2.30).

Wellington are hoping that No8 Cam Venn will be available after being sidelined for a month with a leg injury. He trained last week but it was felt he was not ready to play yet.

One of the players to shine at Truro was ex-Tavistock scrum-half Dan Goldstone who was making his first team debut.

Meanwhile, Wiveliscombe will be looking to maintain their 100 per cent record when they play at home to neighbours Minehead Barbarians who are themselves enjoying a good season and are lying third.

It is nine out of nine victories for Wiveliscombe who won 46-23 away to St Bernadettes OB over the weekend while the Babas were 31-7 home winners against mid-table Yatton.

Wellington 2nd XV, who lost 55-5 away to Stothert and Pitt in Somerset One last time out, are without a fixture while Wiveliscombe 2nd XV have an opportunity to record their first victory of the season when they play at home to bottom side Bridgwater and Albion 3rd XV.

Wellington U18s are home to Nailsea & Backwell in the Somerset League on Saturday (2.30pm).